Nature-based solutions can significantly contribute to restoration projects in areas affected by desertification processes, where they are necessary for reversing land degradation. Currently, one innovative solution is The Cocoon™, which has been designed as a new ecotechnology for improving seedling establishment. The Cocoon consists of a doughnut-shaped container made of recycled cardboard that provides water and shelter at least during the first year of a seedling, which is the most critical for plant establishment. To determine the effectiveness of this ecotechnology under different conditions, the Cocoon was tested on a variety of soils, climates, vegetation, and land uses. Six planting trials were performed in Spain and Greece, which covered a range from humid to arid climates. With the objective of studying its functionality, the survival of the seedlings, their vigor, and growth were monitored for 2 years. Compared with conventional planting systems, the Cocoon has effectively increased seedling survival, especially under dry growing conditions (low rainfall, soils with low water holding capacity). The Cocoon also allowed for higher growth of some species (olive trees, holm oaks, and Aleppo pines). Moreover, a positive correlation between the rainfall on the site and the biodegradation degree of the Cocoon device was observed. Overall, the Cocoon becomes more efficient in arid climates or adverse growing conditions.

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恢复荒漠化土地的节水技术：一些实地经验

基于自然的解决方案可以极大地促进受荒漠化过程影响地区的恢复项目，这些项目对于扭转土地退化是必不可少的。目前，一个创新的解决方案是 The Cocoon™，它被设计为一种新的生态技术，用于改善幼苗的建立。Cocoon 由一个由回收纸板制成的甜甜圈形容器组成，至少在幼苗的第一年提供水和庇护所，这对植物建立至关重要。为了确定这种生态技术在不同条件下的有效性，Cocoon 在各种土壤、气候、植被和土地用途上进行了测试。在西班牙和希腊进行了六次种植试验，覆盖了从潮湿到干旱的气候范围。为了研究其功能，对幼苗的存活、它们的活力和生长进行了 2 年的监测。与传统种植系统相比，Cocoon 有效地提高了幼苗的存活率，尤其是在干旱生长条件下（降雨量少、土壤持水能力低）。Cocoon 还允许某些物种（橄榄树、圣栎和阿勒颇松树）生长得更快。此外，现场的降雨量与 Cocoon 装置的生物降解程度呈正相关。总的来说，Cocoon 在干旱气候或不利的生长条件下变得更有效率。持水能力低的土壤）。Cocoon 还允许某些物种（橄榄树、圣栎和阿勒颇松树）生长得更快。此外，现场的降雨量与 Cocoon 装置的生物降解程度呈正相关。总的来说，Cocoon 在干旱气候或不利的生长条件下变得更有效率。持水能力低的土壤）。Cocoon 还允许某些物种（橄榄树、圣栎和阿勒颇松树）生长得更快。此外，现场的降雨量与 Cocoon 装置的生物降解程度呈正相关。总的来说，Cocoon 在干旱气候或不利的生长条件下变得更有效率。